Have you ever picked up a bag of dog food and wondered what those ingredient terms really mean? I know I have! When I first started reading pet food labels, I was totally confused by all the different forms of chicken listed – chicken, chicken meal, chicken by-product meal… it’s enough to make your head spin!
Today, I’m gonna break down one of the most common confusions what is the difference between chicken meal and chicken by-product? This question comes up all the time from pet parents who want to make sure they’re giving their furry friends the best nutrition possible.
What Is Chicken Meal?
Let’s start with the basics. Chicken meal is essentially concentrated chicken protein that’s been processed in a specific way. According to Purina, chicken meal is “rendered chicken meat that has been dried and ground up, and includes clean flesh, skin, and/or accompanying bone.”
The key thing to understand is that chicken meal is made through a process called rendering This involves
- Taking clean chicken parts (primarily meat, skin, and sometimes bone)
- Cooking them to remove moisture and fat
- Grinding everything into a powder or meal form
The result? A highly concentrated protein source that contains about 65% protein compared to fresh chicken which is only about 18-20% protein when you factor in the water content.
Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, a Purina Veterinarian, explains: “When we’re making pet food, we need a certain proportion of wet and dry ingredients and also need to balance the nutritional needs of pets. By drying and grinding up the chicken, the end product is a concentrated, bioavailable protein source.”
What Is Chicken By-Product?
Chicken by-product, on the other hand, is made from parts of the chicken that aren’t typically consumed by humans. According to the content from FeelGood HHS, chicken by-products can include:
- Chicken organs (heart, liver, kidneys)
- Chicken feet
- Chicken beaks
- Chicken necks
- Undeveloped eggs
It’s important to note that chicken by-product does NOT contain feathers heads or intestinal contents, contrary to some myths. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has strict guidelines about what can be included.
Key Differences Between Chicken Meal and Chicken By-Product
Now that we understand what each ingredient is, let’s compare them directly:
Source Material
- Chicken Meal: Made primarily from chicken meat, skin, and sometimes bone
- Chicken By-Product: Made from parts not typically eaten by humans (organs, feet, necks)
Protein Quality
- Chicken Meal: Generally considered a higher-quality protein source
- Chicken By-Product: Still contains protein but is considered lower-quality by many (though this is debated)
Cost
- Chicken Meal: Usually more expensive
- Chicken By-Product: Typically less expensive
Appearance in Ingredient Lists
- Chicken Meal: Often appears higher in premium dog foods
- Chicken By-Product: Usually appears in more budget-friendly options
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Meal
Before you write off all processed chicken ingredients, it’s worth noting that chicken meal actually has some significant benefits:
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High protein concentration: As mentioned earlier, chicken meal contains about 65% protein, making it an excellent protein source for dogs.
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Natural source of glucosamine: According to Purina, chicken meal is a natural source of glucosamine, which helps maintain healthy joints.
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Practical for kibble production: “If we tried to use all chicken breasts for example, which are about 75% moisture, to make kibble, it would be way too watery and would not come out properly through the extrusion process,” explains Dr. Lobos.
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Concentrated nutrition: Since the water has been removed, chicken meal provides more protein per ounce than fresh chicken.
Nutritional Value of Chicken By-Products
Chicken by-products aren’t necessarily “bad” either. In fact, they can provide unique nutritional benefits:
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Organ meats: Organs like liver and heart are actually extremely nutrient-dense, containing vitamins and minerals that muscle meat doesn’t provide.
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Sustainability factor: Using by-products reduces waste and utilizes more of the animal.
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Natural canine diet: In the wild, wolves and dogs naturally eat the organs and other parts of their prey first, suggesting these parts have evolutionary importance.
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Cost-effective protein: By-products can provide nutrition at a lower cost, making quality dog food more accessible.
Common Myths About Chicken Meal and By-Products
There are lots of misconceptions out there! Let me clear up a few:
Myth 1: Chicken meal is just leftover garbage
Reality: Chicken meal is actually made from clean chicken parts and is a concentrated source of protein.
Myth 2: By-products include feathers, beaks, and feet
Reality: While chicken by-products may include feet, they do NOT contain feathers, and the beaks are only included in some formulations. All ingredients must meet safety standards.
Myth 3: Real chicken is always better than chicken meal
Reality: In dry kibble, chicken meal often provides more actual protein than “real chicken” because fresh chicken contains so much water weight.
How to Read Pet Food Labels
When you’re evaluating dog food labels, here’s what to look for:
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Named protein sources: “Chicken meal” is better than generic “poultry meal” because you know exactly what animal it comes from.
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Order of ingredients: Ingredients are listed by weight, so items at the beginning make up more of the food.
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Specific terms: “Chicken by-product meal” is more transparent than just “meat by-products.”
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Complete nutrition statement: Look for foods that state they provide “complete and balanced nutrition” according to AAFCO standards.
Which Is Better for Your Dog?
So should you choose chicken meal or chicken by-product? Well, it depends on a few factors:
- Your dog’s specific needs: Some dogs thrive on different protein sources.
- Your budget: By-product formulations are typically more affordable.
- Your personal philosophy: Some pet owners prefer foods with ingredients they’d eat themselves.
In general, many veterinary nutritionists agree that chicken meal is a high-quality ingredient, while chicken by-products can be nutritious but vary more in quality between manufacturers.
Popular Dog Foods Containing Chicken Meal
Several well-regarded dog foods use chicken meal as a primary ingredient:
- Purina ONE Chicken & Rice Formula
- Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice
- Beneful Grain Free
These formulations often use chicken meal to boost the protein content while still maintaining a kibble that’s shelf-stable and properly formed.
The Bottom Line
The difference between chicken meal and chicken by-product comes down to the parts of the chicken used and how they’re processed. Chicken meal is made from rendered chicken meat, skin, and sometimes bone, while chicken by-products include organs and other parts not typically consumed by humans.
Both can be nutritious options for your dog, though chicken meal is generally considered the premium ingredient. The most important thing is to choose a food from a reputable manufacturer that conducts feeding trials and quality control testing.
Remember, the overall nutritional balance of the food matters more than any single ingredient. A food with chicken by-products from a company with strong quality control might be better than a food with chicken meal from a company with poor manufacturing practices.
FAQ
Is chicken meal bad for dogs?
No! Chicken meal is actually a concentrated source of protein that’s perfectly safe and nutritious for dogs. It’s simply rendered chicken meat that has been dried and ground up.
Do dogs prefer chicken meal or chicken by-products?
According to Purina, “If your dog likes chicken, then of course he will like chicken meal in his dog food!” Dogs generally don’t discriminate between the two based on source – they care about taste and smell.
Can chicken by-products be harmful to my pet?
When sourced and processed properly, chicken by-products are not harmful. They contain valuable nutrients, especially from organ meats. Quality control is the key factor.
Which is more cost-effective, chicken meal or chicken by-product?
Chicken by-product is generally less expensive than chicken meal, making it a more budget-friendly option that still provides protein and nutrients.
Are there any alternatives to chicken meal and chicken by-product?
Yes, whole chicken, specific named parts (like chicken liver), and other animal proteins like beef, lamb, or fish can all be alternatives depending on your dog’s needs and preferences.
Common Symptoms Of Chicken Allergies In Dogs:
GI problems (such as vomiting and diarrhea), Itching and scratching, Hair loss (usually as a result of scratching), Skin injuries and infections (usually as a result of scratching), Loss of appetite
What Are Chicken By-Products In Dog Food?
In dog food, chicken by-products, simply put, are everything except chicken meat. This could include the organs of the chicken, such as kidneys, lungs, livers, and spleens, as well as other parts, such as bones, neck, feet, undeveloped eggs, and the chicken’s intestinal contents.